Anticipating FCC authorization of the ATSC 3.0 broadcast standard on Thursday, the consortium of leading station groups is planning to set up experimental 3.0 station next spring to explore service enhancement and business opportunities. The project will also include creatng a “lighthouse” station to continue regular digital service to existing sets. Joining Pearl (Cox Media, E.W. Scripps, Graham, Hearst, Meredith, Nexstar, Raycom and Tegna) in the effort will be Fox, NBCUniversal and Univision.

With the inclusion of Meredith’s KPHO and KTVK in Phoenix and KMOV in St. Louis, the national service providing local news via app has grown to 141 stations in 99 markets covering 48 of the top 50 markets and 80% of the U.S. population. Meredith says more of its stations could come on board in the coming months.